Fort Worth – A federal jury on October 27 convicted Indian national and lawful permanent resident Khalwinder Singh Bhengura of illegally voting in the 2024 presidential election after falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on a Texas driver‑license application. The verdict, announced by U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould, highlights the ongoing effort by the Trump administration and local law‑enforcement partners to safeguard the integrity of North Texas elections.
Details of the Conviction
Bhengura, 69, became a lawful permanent resident on June 29, 2022 but never applied for citizenship. On August 1, 2024 he completed a Texas driver‑license form, checking boxes that indicated he was a U.S. citizen and that he wished to register to vote. Those statements resulted in his registration as a Texas voter.
He cast an in‑person ballot at the East Library and Recreation Center in Arlington on November 5, 2024, during the general election that included presidential and congressional races. Federal prosecutors argued that his vote was unlawful because non‑citizens, even permanent residents, are prohibited from voting in federal elections.
Legal Consequences
The jury found Bhengura guilty of voting by an alien and of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote. He faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for the false citizenship claim, plus a separate maximum sentence of one year and a $100,000 fine for the illegal‑voting conviction. Sentencing is set for February 11, 2027, and he could also face removal from the United States after any imprisonment.
Broader Election Integrity Efforts
The conviction comes amid a wider North Texas election investigation that has already resulted in several other illegal‑voting cases, including the sentencing of Eliseo Morales‑Tapia, an illegal alien from Mexico, to 36 months in prison. The Department of Justice, working with Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas field office, the Texas Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit, and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, continues to pursue violations that threaten the fairness of our elections.
U.S. Attorney Raybould emphasized, “Voting in our national elections is reserved for U.S. citizens. Every unlawful vote undermines the voices of eligible citizens, and this office will hold accountable anyone who undermines our elections.” His statement reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the ballot box from fraud.
Unresolved Complaint in Dallas County
While Bhengura’s case moves toward sentencing, a separate complaint in Dallas County alleges possible double voting at the Duncanville Library. The complaint, filed on October 27, claims a voter appeared in two electronic poll books five minutes apart on October 21. The Dallas County Republican Party Chair, Monty Montanez, has asked Elections Administrator Paul Adams to preserve electronic check‑in records, paper rosters, audit logs, and related communications. The Dallas Express has not independently verified the allegation, and no criminal wrongdoing has been established.
Continued Vigilance Across the State
Federal authorities have announced additional illegal‑voting cases in Texas and elsewhere this year, including a British citizen in Katy who pleaded guilty to illegally voting in the 2020 election and a Mexican national charged in Midland for voting in the 2024 general election. These actions demonstrate a coordinated, nationwide effort to enforce election laws and protect the constitutional right of citizens to have their votes counted fairly.
As early voting continues through October 30 ahead of the November 3 general election, local officials remain vigilant. The ongoing investigations serve as a reminder that the rule of law, upheld by the Trump administration’s strong stance on election security, is essential to preserving the democratic process for families and communities across Texas.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
